How far is Altoona, IA from Waukee, IA?
The driving distance from Altoona, IA to Waukee, IA is about 26.3 miles (42.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.8 miles (35.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 05m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 32m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Iowa, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Altoona and Waukee.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altoona and Waukee.
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1
Start on 1st Avenue South
15 m · 3 sec · 1st Avenue South
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2
Turn right onto 8th Street Southwest
2.3 mi · 4 min · 8th Street Southwest
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3
Take the ramp right
1546 ft · 40 sec
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4
Continue straight
1997 ft · 49 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
1023 ft · 13 sec · Military Order of the Purple Heart Highway
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6
Take the exit slight left toward I 80 West: Council Bluffs
1.2 mi · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left
14.5 mi · 17 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 6: Hickman Road, Adel
1898 ft · 49 sec
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9
Turn right onto Hickman Road
5.6 mi · 9 min · Hickman Road
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10
Turn left onto 6th Street
1119 ft · 34 sec · 6th Street
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11
Turn left onto Ashworth Drive
43 m · 5 sec · Ashworth Drive
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Ashworth Drive
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Altoona and Waukee.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 80 West
Merge slight left
14.5 mi · 00h 17m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Altoona and Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukee.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Altoona to Waukee?
The road trip is about 26.3 miles (42.3 km) and usually takes 00h 32m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Johnston is a useful midpoint, sitting about 12.5 miles from Altoona and 13.8 miles from Waukee.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.8 miles (35.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.51 one way or $7.01 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Altoona and Showers And Thunderstorms near Waukee.
Stop Ideas Near Johnston
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Johnston.
Osceola
Creston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Altoona and Waukee. Straight-line distance: 21.83 mi (35.14 km).
#1 Altoona
City in Polk County, Iowa, United States
| Population | 19,503 |
| Coordinates | 41.6441600, -93.4646600 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Waukee
City in Dallas County, Iowa, United States of America
| Population | 26,166 |
| Coordinates | 41.6116600, -93.8852300 |
| Altitude | 314 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ashworth Drive (-93.885151, 41.611761)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $3.51 | $7.01 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $3.96 | $7.91 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $4.33 | $8.66 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $4.93 | $9.87 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Iowa · Apr 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.